Opioid-Sparing Surgical Protocol Expanded Nationwide
A new partnership aims to reduce post-surgical opioid needs for orthopedic patients across the U.S.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Arthritis
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Should hospitals shift to non-opioid protocols for standard orthopedic surgery recovery?
The nonprofit March 2 A Million has partnered with Kinomatic to scale an opioid-sparing orthopedic recovery protocol. This program seeks to significantly lower reliance on pain medication for patients undergoing hip and knee replacements.
Why it matters
Reducing opioid use after surgery mitigates long-term dependency risks while improving recovery outcomes. This national expansion aims to standardize evidence-based practices that prioritize swelling control over traditional high-dose opioid regimens.
Clinical outcomes among 3,400 patients show 98% of hip and 89% of knee replacement recipients require no opioid prescriptions after following the 40-step protocol. These findings demonstrate a significant departure from standard national recovery patterns.
The players
March 2 A Million
A nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing opioid dependency risks in orthopedic surgery through an evidence-based recovery protocol.
Kinomatic
A medical technology company based in Arroyo Grande, California, that provides tools and resources to optimize orthopedic surgical care.
Dr. Andrew Wickline
The founder of the nonprofit March 2 A Million and an orthopedic surgeon focused on optimizing patient recovery protocols.
The details
The protocol focuses on reducing post-surgical inflammation, which clinicians understand to be a primary driver of pain and the subsequent need for opioids. By utilizing a standardized toolkit that includes patient education and specific cold therapy techniques, surgeons are able to manage patient comfort without heavy reliance on narcotics. Currently, more than 70 surgeons are using this approach to integrate these decisions into existing surgical workflows.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: Kinomatic announced its partnership with March 2 A Million.
Health Landscape
This initiative addresses the ongoing effort to modernize post-surgical pain management and curb opioid dependency in orthopedic care. It represents a shift toward standardized, low-narcotic recovery models that prioritize inflammation control over traditional high-dose prescribing.
If you are scheduled for hip or knee surgery, you may wish to discuss opioid-sparing recovery options with your surgeon to see if a similar protocol is available. Ask your healthcare provider about their specific strategy for managing post-operative pain and minimizing medication use.
The takeaway
Effective pain management after orthopedic surgery is increasingly possible with reduced reliance on opioids through targeted inflammation control. Patients should proactively consult with their surgical team regarding modern recovery protocols that align with their specific health needs.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research and evidence-based care in Arthritis.
More information
Find additional information regarding the protocol on the Kinomatic company information and resources page.
Live Poll
Should hospitals shift to non-opioid protocols for standard orthopedic surgery recovery?
